Gran-of-eight Maggie Clayton’s weekly diary
Best food: San Francisco
In a land of super-sized portions and endless variety, food can shape a journey across the States. San Francisco has more than 5,000 restaurants and cafes – more per capita than any other major city in the US.
Vice President Kamala Harris is a fan of the SoMa district, an area dotted with food trucks and late-night diners. In between meals, tourists can explore the Golden Gate Bridge, hang out in hippy district HaightAshbury, or trundle uphill on a 19th Century cable cars to admire the city’s giddy views. Virgin Holidays offers a seven-night break from £2,528, including flights and car hire.
Best road trip: Route 66
The most iconic four-wheel journey in the world, Route 66 slices through the country’s cultural heartland. Starting in Chicago, travel through Oklahoma, St Louis,Amarillo and Albuquerque, stopping to see the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest national parks. Ending in LA, the trip clocks up more than 2,000 miles. Titan Travel offers a 17-day Historic Route 66 escorted tour from £3,199, including transport, and flights from London.
Best city: New York or Las Vegas
The stars of many blockbuster movies, New York and Las
Vegas have A-list appeal.Take a trip to the Big Apple to shop in the East Village, catch a show on Broadway or wander through Manhattan’s maze of skyscrapers.
Twin with a stay in Vegas for glitz, glamour and fun, where 24-hour casinos and non-stop neon blur the boundaries between day and night. American Sky offers sevennights at the Royalton Park Avenue in New York and the ARIA Resort & Casino in Vegas from £1,599 inc flights and accommodation.